Marion Township sees small cost for sewer project
MARION TWP — The township’s financial obligation for its $4.2 million sewer project is estimated at a mere fraction of the project’s total price tag.
Marion Township will be financially responsible for $325,000 in engineering and legal fees related to the project, which will bring service to more than 111 homes in the Boyers area of the township, chairman of the township supervisors Jason McBride said at a meeting Monday, July 10.
The township is negotiating with First National Bank and Mars Bank for funding. Township secretary Michelle Burd said the length of loan and interest rates — fixed or adjustable — that can be accommodated by the township’s budget are the focus of discussions.
McBride has previously said that Butler County was instrumental in securing grants to fund the project, which replaces a failing lagoon-type sewer system that was deemed the township’s responsibility. The system was left behind by U.S. Steel decades ago when it ceased operations at the Boyers mine, now the Iron Mountain specialty storage facility.
The township anticipates the project to be complete by spring 2024.
An update on the sewer project, currently on schedule, from Dave Neill from EADS Group of Clarion is to be held with township officials in the near future.
McBride said he will look into possible solutions after township residents expressed concerns Monday about truck traffic on County Line Road.
Residents at the meeting said there is noise, dust pollution and late night hours of truck traffic traveling to area lumber businesses.
Matson Lumber Company and Omega Lumber use the road to transport lumber, chips and sawdust, McBride said.
McBride said he previously has approached the sawmills regarding funding support for the application of oil and chips to reduce dust and received a positive response.
After hearing residents’ concerns, he said he would further look into the issue and contact PennDOT and that speed limit signs will be reposted. The township has limited options, he said.
The township approved applying to participate in the federal government’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, which offers grants to rural communities to help area residents obtain high-speed internet access.
A motion to submit a grant application to the Multimodal Transportation Fund was approved. If received, $1,506,049 would be applied to the Black Road paving project. Marion Township’s PennDOT representative will assist in the process.
Town Crier
On Monday, July 10, Marion Township supervisors:
— Saw the blasting schedule for Rockburn Mine to be from sunrise to 2 p.m. daily except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
— Expressed plans to review, update or prepare a drought contingency plan. A drought watch has been declared in the state and asks for a voluntary 5% reduction in water use.
— Hired Bill Surrena and Kevin Thompson as CDL/equipment operators retroactive to May.
— Authorized the purchase of a Buffalo wind turbine from Revels Turf and Tractor Company for $7,001. The turbine initially will be used to clear leafs from culverts and drainage ditches.
